MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has released data indicating that coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines for the year 2024. From January to November 2024, there were 96,049 recorded cases of coronary heart disease, accounting for 19.3% of total deaths in the country.

Following closely, neoplasms, which involve abnormal tissue growth, emerged as the second leading cause of death with 55,105 cases, representing 11.1% of total fatalities for the same period.

Cerebrovascular diseases, affecting blood vessels in the brain, ranked third with 49,349 cases, accounting for 9.9% of the total death toll.

Pneumonia and diabetes mellitus rounded out the top five causes of death, with pneumonia causing 33,040 deaths or 6.6%, while diabetes mellitus accounted for 31,321 deaths, translating to 6.3% of total deaths.

In a separate health concern, the Davao Region has recorded ten cases of Mpox (Monkeypox) within two months, from April to the end of May 2025. According to Sofia Corazon Zafran, spokesperson for the Department of Health's Regional Office 11, six cases were reported in Davao City in April, with four additional patients isolated for close monitoring after exposure to confirmed virus carriers.

Health officials continue to conduct contact tracing for individuals who had interactions with these patients to identify any symptoms of Mpox.

Additionally, Davao de Oro province reported three cases, two of which have recovered while one remains under treatment.

One case was also confirmed in Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur, while no cases have been reported in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

In response to the rising Mpox cases, mandatory face mask policies have been enacted in Davao del Sur and Compostela, Davao de Oro.

Governor Yvonne R. Cagas signed Executive Order No. 20, which mandates the use of face masks and adherence to health protocols in various public spaces, including markets and schools, as preventive measures against transmission.

Likewise, Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas issued an order requiring health workers observing Mpox patients to wear personal protective equipment.

In Talisay City, Cebu, Mayor Samsam Gullas confirmed one patient with Mpox, who has since died; however, the death was not attributed to the virus.

Mandaue City health officer Dr. Debra Catulong reported monitoring a suspected Mpox case, awaiting results from confirmatory tests.

The Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that there are no lockdowns in place due to Mpox, emphasizing that the disease is not airborne and does not necessitate such measures.

The DOH advises the public to remain vigilant against misinformation regarding Mpox, confirming that the current cases are primarily of a Clade II variant, which has a lower mortality rate than earlier strains of the virus.